Books matching: noir thriller
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- #1
Save:Walter Mosley's 'Devil in a Blue Dress' introduces readers to the character Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran in 1948 Los Angeles who gets entangled in a web of mystery and danger when he is hired to find a missing woman. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the novel explores themes of corruption, racism, and societal struggles through the eyes of Easy Rawlins as he navigates the seedy underbelly of the city. The plot is described as twisty and hard-boiled, filled with well-drawn characters and a strong sense of time and place that immerses readers in the noir atmosphere of the story.
Mosley's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced narrative, and flavorful dialogue that captures the essence of 1940s Los Angeles. The book is commended for its depiction of the black experience during that era, offering a fresh perspective on the classic private eye novel by presenting a black protagonist, Easy Rawlins, in a genre typically dominated by white detectives. Despite some readers finding the plot convoluted, the novel is lauded for its social commentary on race relations and its ability to transport readers to a different time and place through compelling storytelling.
I had spent five years with white men, and women, from Africa to Italy, through Paris, and into the Fatherland itself. I ate with them and slept with them, and I killed enough blue-eyed young men to k... - #2
Save:In the noir history of Los Angeles, the unsolved murder mystery of Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia, takes center stage. The book portrays a fictionalized account of the investigation carried out by LAPD cops Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, delving into the dark and twisted world of post-war Los Angeles. As the detectives navigate through police brutality, corruption, and personal entanglements, the story unfolds with elements of passion, deceit, and psychological tension, capturing the essence of the times and the characters involved.
The narrative follows Bucky Bleichert's relentless pursuit of the truth behind the Black Dahlia murder, intertwining it with his personal struggles and obsessions. Set against the backdrop of a seedy and corrupt Hollywood, the book presents a complex and gritty portrayal of the era, showcasing engaging character development, vivid descriptions, and a compelling plot filled with twists and turns that keep readers enthralled throughout the dark and eerie tale.
I was coming off a long tour of duty spent in a speed trap on Bunker Hill, preying on traffic violators. My ticket book was full and my brain was numb from eight hours of following my eyes across the ... - #3
Save:In 'Double Indemnity', insurance salesman Walter Huff becomes entangled with the femme fatale Phyllis Nirdlinger, leading to a plot to murder her husband for the insurance money. The story unfolds with intricate murder plots, double crosses, and a dark, twisted tale of crime set in 1930s Los Angeles. Written in a hard-boiled style, the book delves into themes of murder, betrayal, revenge, and questions about human nature, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
I drove out to Glendale to put three new truck drivers on a brewery company bond, and then I remembered this renewal over in Hollywoodland. I decided to run over there. That was how I came to this Hou... - #4
Save:A drifter named Frank becomes entangled in a stormy affair with a married woman named Cora, leading them to plot a murder. The narrative unfolds in a hard-boiled detective style without the mystery element, focusing on the characters' hardened nature and their willingness to do anything to fulfill their desires. The story is set in a depression-era America, showcasing dark and violent themes with spare descriptions and authentic dialogues.
The plot revolves around obsession, passion, murder, and violence set in a prosaic roadside gas station cafe. The characters, Frank and Cora, are portrayed as morally revolting yet compelling, leading to a shocking and abrupt conclusion akin to a hangman's noose. The book is described as a classic piece of noir fiction, exploring the dark tragedy of the human heart with a narrative that unfolds with a feeling of inevitability and moral logic.
They threw me off the hay truck about noon. I had swung on the night before, down at the border, and as soon as I got up there under the canvas, I went to sleep. I needed plenty of that, after three w... - #5
Save:'Noir' by Christopher Moore is a comedic, science fiction twist on American Noir Literature set in 1947 San Francisco. The story follows Sammy Tiffin, a bartender who falls in love with a woman named Stilton and gets entangled in a series of unfortunate events involving a poisonous snake, an air force general, secretive men in black, and a secretive club of rich men. The novel is a zany, action-packed, and extremely entertaining send-up of post-war noir, filled with humor, absurdity, and lively characters.
The writing style of 'Noir' is described as a blend of noir elements with comedic spoofs, featuring outrageous metaphors, witty dialogue, and a mix of mystery, sci-fi, and humor. The book captures the essence of post-war San Francisco, with memorable characters, engaging plot twists, and a unique twist on the traditional noir genre, making it a fun and enjoyable read for fans of Christopher Moore's work.
She had the kind of legs that kept her butt from resting on her shoes—a size-eight dame in a size-six dress and every mug in the joint was rooting for the two sizes to make a break for it as they watc... - #6
Save:The Ice Harvest by Scott Phillips is a noir crime novel set in Wichita, Kansas, on a snowy Christmas Eve in 1979. The story follows Charlie Arglist, a mobster lawyer, who plans to embezzle money from his boss and leave town. The plot unfolds over one night as Charlie navigates through seedy nightclubs, strip joints, and encounters a range of unsavory characters. The writing style is described as dark, violent, and filled with bleak humor, capturing the atmosphere of a midwestern noir tale. The book is tightly plotted, with a slow build-up leading to a jaw-dropping set of events and a surreal, darkly humorous conclusion.
At four-fifteen on a cold, dry Christmas Eve a nervous middle-aged man in an expensive overcoat walked bare-headed into the Midtown Tap Room and stood at the near end of the bar with his membership ca... - #7
Save:'The Nautical Chart' by Arturo Perez-Reverte is a tale of adventure and mystery set off the Spanish coast. The story follows a sailor named Coy who becomes entangled with a mysterious scholar named Tanger Soto in the search for a sunken shipwreck and its rumored treasure. The book is rich in historical details, maritime knowledge, and Spanish history, creating a narrative that blends elements of romance, suspense, and thrill.
The writing style in 'The Nautical Chart' is described as intricate and deeply descriptive, with a unique blend of noir thriller, Tintin adventure, and Moby Dick. The plot unfolds slowly, immersing the reader in the world of navigation, treasure hunting, and the complexities of the characters' relationships. Despite some criticisms of the pacing and verbosity, the book is praised for its engrossing nature and the unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the end.
LETUSobserve the night. It is nearly perfect, with Polaris visible in its prescribed location, to the right and five times the distance of the line formed between Merak and Dubhe. Polaris will remain ... - #8
Save:Unsuspecting drug dealer Jack Price finds himself entangled in a murder mystery when his downstairs neighbor is executed. As he delves into the investigation, Jack navigates a world of corruption, violence, and intrigue, all while questioning his own involvement in the crime. The book combines elements of a murder mystery, noir thriller, and adventure story, with a unique writing style that challenges traditional punctuation rules and offers a fast-paced, chaotic narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- #9
Save:Drive by James Sallis is a noir thriller following the story of Driver, a stunt driver for movies by day and a driver for criminals by night. The plot revolves around a criminal job gone wrong, leading to revenge among thieves. The narrative is structured with flash forwards and flashbacks, showcasing non-stop action with cynical dialogue interspersed with literary and music references. Sallis's writing style is described as punchy, concise, and enjoyable, capturing the essence of neo-noir with brutal and beautiful prose.
Much later, as he sat with his back against an inside wall of a Motel 6 just north of Phoenix, watching the pool of blood lap toward him, Driver would wonder whether he had made a terrible mistake. La... - #10
Save:Burke is a detective and con artist in New York City with a soft spot for cases involving abused children. When a mysterious woman named Flood hires him to track down a child killer for revenge, Burke delves into the gritty streets filled with memorable characters like The Mole and street corner prophets. Written in a hard-boiled noir style, "Flood" by Andrew Vachss follows Burke's journey through the dark underbelly of the city, tackling themes of child abuse and vigilantism.
I GOT TO the office early that morning-I think it was about ten o’clock. As soon as the dog saw it was me, she walked over to the back door and I let her out. I went outside with her as far as the fir...
